CHAPTER 631

An Act for the relief of Ivan J. Peters.
(S 175]

Approved April 7, 1954

Whereas, Ivan J. Peters, of Charlottesville, was a patient at the Uni-
versity of Virginia Hospital on May 30, 1952, following an injury during
the course of his employment, and had been a patient in such hospital for
the same injury for a two months’ period earlier in that year; and

Whereas, during the course of his treatment, a resident physician
of the Hospital injected into his spinal column a substance which
caused him severe and long-continuing pain and resulted in total and
permanent paralysis below the waist, so that he has been compelled to
remain a patient in such hospital, and has not been able to support his
wife and family; and

Whereas, the University of Virginia Hospital is an agency of the State
and there is therefore no way in law or equity by which Mr. Peters can
proceed against such institution to secure adequate compensation for his
pain and suffering and the loss of his earning capacity; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That there is hereby appropriated from the general fund of the State
treasury the sum of fifty thousand dollars; such payment shall be made by
the State Treasurer on warrant of the comptroller issued as provided by
law ; provided, that as a prerequisite to the receipt of such sum, there shall
be issued by Ivan J. Peters a complete and full release for all claims against
the University of Virginia Hospital and all officers and employees thereof,
and further provided, that said sum hereby appropriated shall be held in
trust for the benefit of said Peters and his immediate family by such trus-
tee or trustees, and upon such terms, including provision for costs of ad-
ministration, invasions of principal, and compensation for the attorneys
for said Peters, as the Corporation Court of the City of Charlottesville, ox
the judge thereof in vacation, may approve, but the amount of the fees
allowed to said attorneys for their services in securing this award shall not
exceed 10% of the sum hereby appropriated.